The American public has voiced their desire for change in Washington, seeking a departure from the status quo. A key area demanding attention is wildfire management. The current system, a complex web of agencies and private entities, lacks clear accountability and a unified national standard, resulting in delayed responses and devastating consequences.

The economic impact of wildfires reaches hundreds of billions of dollars annually, affecting millions of Americans. Despite this, the government's approach has remained stagnant for decades. As a former aerial firefighter, I've witnessed the destruction firsthand and understand the federal government's shortcomings in addressing this critical issue.

While numerous state and federal agencies share responsibility for wildfire suppression, a lack of clear accountability and a national standard hinders effective action. The National Fire Protection Association's standard for structure fire response has significantly reduced civilian deaths, demonstrating the importance of established protocols. A similar standard is urgently needed for wildfire suppression.

The dedicated public servants battling these fires are not the problem; the issue lies with bureaucratic leadership and excessive red tape. A comprehensive overhaul of the federal wildfire system is necessary. A more proactive and aggressive initial attack policy, leveraging private resources, is crucial for minimizing wildfire damage.

The private sector's capacity for innovation and efficient results should be embraced. Strengthening public-private partnerships within the wildland fire industry is essential. This collaboration can facilitate investment in advanced technologies, such as specialized aircraft, wildfire intelligence systems, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and thermally equipped satellites, to enhance wildfire protection efforts.

By integrating cutting-edge technologies and strategies, establishing clear roles for federal agencies and private entities, and developing a comprehensive national wildfire strategy, we can optimize resource utilization. This bipartisan issue demands collaboration to deliver practical solutions for enhanced wildfire protection. Streamlining efforts, eliminating bureaucratic obstacles, and reducing government waste are key objectives. We can achieve more effective wildfire management while minimizing costs for taxpayers.

The urgency of wildfire reform cannot be overstated. Through collaborative efforts, we can enhance wildfire response, protect communities and public lands, and save both lives and resources.